African superstar Sadio Mane has purchased French side Bourges Foot 18 after completing all necessary formalities as the primary shareholder of the fourth-tier club.
The Senegalese Al-Nassr player is said to have long been interested in purchasing a football club, and his relationship with Bourges president Cheikh Sylla is said to have played a major role in helping Mane to realize his dreams, having also received the approval of the mayor of the city, Yann Galut.
Mane, 31, who has previously contributed some funds to the club to aid with their recruitment, joined via video feed during a press conference in France as an official announcement was made on Wednesday.
“We’ve been working with the city for the past three years. We’re here to nurture and organise the club. The challenge is immense, but if the people of Bourges remain involved, I’m confident we can achieve our goals. I believe I’ll be visiting Bourges very soon," Mane said following the completion of the deal via a video message.
Bourges Foot 18 has never played higher than the French second tier and is located 250 kilometres from Paris in central France.
The club which was only formed two years ago following a merger between two clubs in the region are currently sitting second bottom in Group B of the Championnat National.
The Championnat National league is made up of a mix of amateur side's and professional clubs who field their reserves, the likes of Toulouse and Angers.
By: Pascal Amoah
